tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078379512095504946.post5547309019178621635..comments2024-03-29T04:06:37.402-07:00Comments on Had Enough Therapy?: Cultural Sensitivity and the War Against TerrorStuart Schneidermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784043736879991769noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078379512095504946.post-28414256382760956672015-05-10T13:44:28.341-07:002015-05-10T13:44:28.341-07:00Thoughts are not things. Thoughts become things, b...Thoughts are not things. Thoughts become things, but that requires doing -- the action of life. In the West, we have traditionally protected thought (as long as it doesn't question ideological Climate Change) and held people accountable for their actions. As Stuart points out regularly, this standard is being challenged as people are ostracized for their thoughts, while their actions or non-actions are observed (in the case of self-congratulatory environmentalism). Thusly, we condemn the thinker who refuses to conform -- previously considered a heroic action in defying convention, like burning a bra -- so the monolithic intelligentsia can feel better while shopping for organic toothpaste at Trader Joe's, driving a Prius and practicing tantric sex. Such people are definitionally sensitive, claim to be cultured and are intolerant as hell in their own social practices... all the while feeding the organ of their "open mind." It's enough to make one vomit.Ignatius Acton Chesterton OCDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18222603717128565302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078379512095504946.post-73482472398607663642015-05-10T13:41:27.547-07:002015-05-10T13:41:27.547-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Ignatius Acton Chesterton OCDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18222603717128565302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078379512095504946.post-25430709552107782032015-05-10T05:59:45.214-07:002015-05-10T05:59:45.214-07:00With all the talk about cultural sensitivity it se...With all the talk about cultural sensitivity it seems that it only applies to other cultures, but not to our own. Unless one is saying that there is not a unique American culture. <br />One only has to spend just a small amount of time researching history of this country and its foundation to know that there is a unique American culture built on a unique set of freedoms and responsibilities that exist nowhere else on Earth. One of the most unique things about us is our Constitution and its enumerated rights. In the Bill of Rights we have one that stands as the true foundation of our uniqueness, the First amendment and its emphasis on freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the free exercise thereof, freedom of the press and the right to peaceable assemble.<br />Knowing this I then wonder why we have a certain segment of people who become all excited by what they call provocative speech and drawings when it applies to Islam and have no qualm when it applies to Jews, Christians, conservatives or others they "feel" are not like them? If I was more cynical it would seem a bigoted response no matter the justifications utilized especially since those very same provocations are utilized to marginalize others. Where is the equality of treating those who may disagree with others?<br />Having travel to many countries representing the United States I was always reminded how unique we actually are in how we are citizens vice being subjects. That does not mean that I was not aware of the cultures of the various countries I was in. Always tried to observe the cultural mores that were applicable. It is their culture and I was a guest. part of my job was to create a favorable impression of Americans and make friends.<br />It would seem that for many Americans it is our responsibility to be aware of theirs and they are not required to be aware of ours. Point in fact some seem to think we need to kowtow to theirs in our country. We are to accept their language use and not expect them to know ours. A requirement if one is expected to know what is going on and to be a true citizen. How can one make informed decisions that affect us all if one does not understand the culture and language?<br />This country was built on the idea of a "melting pot" and not on the idea of a coat of many cultures defined by a hyphen. Unlike many culture we are desirous of inculcating the best from everyone who wants to be an American. A fine "stew" that has been growing more favorable with each added ingredient. We are Americans first and everything after that is secondary.<br />Sam L,<br />Nicely stated. The desire to make murder and free speech equivalent. Sadly too many people, for one reason or other, fail to understand the difference.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14962996070458991675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078379512095504946.post-73496272103017843532015-05-09T21:00:20.901-07:002015-05-09T21:00:20.901-07:00On the topic of my comment here's a September ...On the topic of my comment here's a September 2014 12-minute interview/discussion with U.S. Attorney Andy Luger from a Somali YouTube channel (not english for first 1:34).<br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8kLBvrwV84<br /><br />Looks like there are many people with the interviewer name, but I found a local article about him. He sounds like just the right person at the right time to help bridge Somali immigrants to their new land. <br /><br />So his main issue must be to maintain himself as a voice of integrity, especially if he can make a living at this work.<br /><br />http://web.archive.org/web/20130429172132/http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2013/03/31/minneapolis-somali-tv-host-and-producer-celebrates-decade-community-news-coverage-wi<br />---------------<br />March 31, 2013<br /><br />A well-known face to Somali television viewers in Minnesota, Liban Hussein brings the community news stories unfolding both in the Twin Cities and in the war-torn Somalia he fled decades ago.<br /><br />Hussein’s been hosting weekly “Mai TV,” a Somali-speaking program on Minneapolis Television Network (MTN), aired at 9:00 p.m. Fridays on channel 16.<br /> <br />He’s done it for 10 years — and without pay.<br /><br />For the most part, Hussein serves as the cameraman, editor and presenter of the programs he releases.<br /><br />“It’s a lot of work to do what I do,” he said, “but when I see the final product, I forget how hard the work is.”<br /><br />Hussein plans to establish a large SNTV studio in Minneapolis, which will function as the center of program production in North America. He’s working on a fundraising event to raise money to rent a space and buy equipment for the studio.<br /><br />“This is going to be a great project, a bridge that connects between Somalia and the Somali diaspora in North America,” Hussein said. “I ask that Minnesota communities and the Somali government support the project.”<br />---------------Ares Olympushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09726811306826601686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078379512095504946.post-22829261852820855502015-05-09T20:29:47.553-07:002015-05-09T20:29:47.553-07:00re: The Shoebats predict that if America and the W...re: The Shoebats predict that if America and the West become increasingly under attack by Muslim extremists, similar methods will arrive on our shores.<br /><br />There does seem to be governmental attention to the problem of "home grown" terrorists, including a Minnesota connection with our large Somali immigrant population.<br /><br />It confirms for me that it seems better to consider this as a "mental illness" problem. Community level intervention is the first key, starting with the assumption that we're all on the same side.<br /><br />Who knows, perhaps Muslim leaders might start their own "desensitization" process with their youth, identifying those who can't handle "dishonor" and show them how real men act in the face of shame.<br /><br />http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/02/15/minnesota-delegation-included-in-washington-counter-terrorism-summit/<br />------------------<br />A delegation from the state will travel to Washington next week to be part of a summit on countering violent extremism. The goal is to find ways to engage at-risk communities and to stop extremists from recruiting for terror groups. U.S. Attorney Andy Luger is spearheading the effort.<br />...<br />Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the country. It’s because of that distinction the Twin Cities is part of a pilot program, along with LA and Boston, aimed at turning around the cycle of recruitment for terror organizations overseas.<br /><br />“It’s a good news, bad news situation,” Luger said. “The good news is we’re getting the attention we need and the focus and resources. The bad news is we need the resources.”<br /><br />At the summit, Luger will present a two-part program to attendees. First, he advocates for community intervention teams so the Somali community has someone to turn to when they spot early warning signs of radicalization.<br /><br />“The goal there is the earliest signs — community leaders, religious leaders can work with the young man or woman so it never gets to a law enforcement level,” Luger said. “We never hear about it and that would be a real goal.”<br /><br />The second part of the program is to address the root cause of radicalization by bringing job opportunities, mentors and youth programs to young Somalis.<br /><br />“Some of the basic crime prevention efforts that have been successful elsewhere, we’re going to bring to this community,” Luger said.<br /><br />The program was developed with input from the community and fostered by the ongoing relationships between the community and law enforcement.<br /><br />Luger recognizes there is a long road ahead, but says this summit is the first step towards keeping Somali youth engaged at making a positive impact here in Minnesota.<br /><br />”We have to turn this around, it’s a problem in our community,” he said. “It appeared in 2007, 2008. It’s back again and we want to break the cycle so we’re not back again in a few years.”<br />------------------Ares Olympushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09726811306826601686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078379512095504946.post-17439641518640936832015-05-09T18:49:33.710-07:002015-05-09T18:49:33.710-07:00re: So in China, unlike the west, they get it. The...re: So in China, unlike the west, they get it. The Chinese authorities launched a series of “strike hard” campaigns to weaken the hold of the drug of Islam in China’s western region. So they have ordered Muslim shopkeepers and restaurant owners in its troubled Xinjiang region to sell alcohol and cigarettes, and even promote them in “eye-catching displays,” as Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported. Alcohol and tobacco, while it is a problem, to the Chinese is the lesser of the two evils. So now establishments that failed to comply were swiftly dealt with and were threatened with closure and their owners with prosecution.<br /><br />This is an interesting story, and shows when "state authoritarianism" is necessary, whether or not it helps reduce "religious fundamentalism" I don't know.<br /><br />I remember recently some Muslim Cabbies in Minneapolis wanted to refuse to take people with alcohol or dogs(!?).<br />http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/04/17/us-muslims-taxis-idUSN1633289220070417<br />------------<br />A large number of taxi drivers in the area of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are Muslim Somali immigrants. Many say they feel the faith's ban on alcohol consumption includes transporting anyone carrying it.<br /><br />The new rules cover any driver who refuses a ride for unwarranted reasons, including those who refuse to take short-haul passengers in favor of more lucrative longer trips. They can still refuse fares for certain reasons, including threats to their safety.<br /> <br />Under the new regulations a first offense would result in a 30-day cab license suspension and a second in a two-year taxi license revocation.<br /> <br />The current penalty only requires that cab drivers who refuse a fare to go back to the end of the taxi queue, costing them time and money.<br />------------<br /><br />Its also to issues of "Pharmacists To Refuse Birth Control Because Of Religion"<br />http://samuel-warde.com/2012/12/7-states-allow-pharmacists-to-refuse-birth-control-because-of-religion/<br />-------- <br />The six states permitting refusal are Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri and South Dakota. The five states where the law is broadly worded include: Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine and Tennessee.<br /><br />A doctor prescribes birth control for a variety of medical reasons. It’s not always about preventing births. Those suffering from severe menstrual cramping, endometriosis and ovarian cysts often benefit and find relief when on the pill. Additionally, it is legal to take birth control for the sole purpose of not getting pregnant and it’s abhorrent that a judgmental pharmacist can impose a biased religious belief and deny anyone a medication prescribed by a doctor. Often, the pharmacists who refuse to provide contraception also refuse to help a customer find a willing pharmacy.<br />----------Ares Olympushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09726811306826601686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078379512095504946.post-36451455338717174012015-05-09T17:52:17.131-07:002015-05-09T17:52:17.131-07:00Chris, is murdering people more or less heinous th...Chris, is murdering people more or less heinous that drawing pictures of Mohammed?Sam L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00996809377798862214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078379512095504946.post-58405739013571790322015-05-09T09:26:04.351-07:002015-05-09T09:26:04.351-07:00"We would rather denounce Pamela Geller than ..."We would rather denounce Pamela Geller than condemn the jihadis who want to kill her."<br /><br />America would be better off condemning both. Geller and the Muslims are both nutcases.<br /><br /><br />A Christian should have nothing to do with Geller's shows or the "artwork". Jesus Christ commands us thusly: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Matthew 7:12. These shows do nothing to Glorify Christ or bring people to a saving knowledge of his grace. They are only about enriching Geller.<br /><br />Chris Malloryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13001920155309388738noreply@blogger.com